Demolition of Libertyville's Brainerd Building, Jackson Gym delayed

The demolition of the Brainerd Building and the Jackson Gym in Libertyville didn't start as planned Monday - but officials said it's far from a stay of execution for the former high school facilities.

Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 needed more time to make sure permits were in place and necessary utility work had been completed, spokeswoman Mary Todoric said.

"The delay was needed to (ensure) that all requirements have been identified, addressed and completed prior to demolition," she said. "We're simply making sure that we've dotted our i's and crossed our t's."

The start of demolition has been rescheduled for Nov. 17, Todoric said.

Asbestos removal was completed last week at the adjoining buildings, which are on Route 176 just east of the current Libertyville High School.

Because of health and safety issues, no one is allowed inside the building for photographs. But people can take pictures of the buildings' exteriors.

Once the structures are razed, the space will be filled in with dirt for the winter, Todoric said. In spring 2015, some of the land will be converted to green space for athletic uses. Another part will be paved over for parking.

A small portion of the property will be set aside to memorialize the classroom building and gym, local landmarks that in 2008 were added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The Brainerd Building opened as Libertyville Township High School in 1917. The Jackson Gym followed in 1929.

After the modern Libertyville High School opened in 1954, the Brainerd Building was turned into a freshmen-only facility. All classroom education there ceased in 1999 when Vernon Hills High School opened.

A community group had wanted to turn the Brainerd Building into a civic center, and the village leased the buildings from the school district while the volunteers tried to get the project off the ground. They were unsuccessful.

Voters overwhelmingly rejected a plan to raise $11.5 million in tax revenue to pay for the project earlier this year.

District officials are keeping the public informed about the project's progress online at lhswildcats.org/story/brainerd-building-asbestos-abatement-and-demolition-updates.